Whether in conventional radiology, CT scanning, MRI or nuclear medicine, medical radiation technologists - or radiologic technologist - are key players in the healthcare sector. They carry out medical imaging exams, a role that is both technical and human. Yet their profession is still little known to the general public.
Stéphanie, who currently works in a Luxembourg hospital, shares her her journey, her daily routine and what led her to cross the border to pursue her career.
An unexpected path but a true calling
Like many high school students, Stéphanie didn't have a clear vision of her professional future. She imagined herself in the medical field but wasn’t sure which career to choose. Her first choice was occupational therapy, a discipline that particularly appealed to her. But given the difficulty of the entrance exams and studies, she had to rethink her plans:
"What attracted me most was working in healthcare, but I didn’t want to study for years, so I turned to paramedics."
While she waited to find her calling, she began a first-year biology degree. Exploring various paramedical careers, she came across the medical radiation technologists profession. Curious, she did an internship in Metz city centre, and that's when it all clicked. Radiology offered the perfect balance: working in healthcare without an excessively long course of study, while avoiding the nursing aspects that she wasn’t comfortable with.
"I realised it was a profession that combined both technology and human interaction. I loved it straight away."
So she enrolled at the school in Reims to obtain her three-year Diplôme d’État, one of the two recognised diploma to practise the profession. This degree marked the start of her career: after an initial experience at the Hôpital-Clinique Claude-Bernard in Metz, she joined the Hôpital Kirchberg in Luxembourg.
A profession between technology and human connection
The role of a radiologic technologist is often misunderstood, and patients frequently confuse them with nurses. However, each hospital department has its own dress code and here's how to avoid getting confused:
"At Hôpîtaux Robert Schuman, we wear dark blue gowns with white trousers, whereas the nurses wear light blue. But every hospital has its own system. Another clue is the dosimeter on the gown, even though some surgical nurses wear them too. The easiest way? Just check our badge!", explains Stéphanie.
Although we often think of radiologists when we talk about medical imaging, it is in fact the radiologic technologists who carry out the exams. Their key responsibilities include:
- Welcoming and reassuring patients;
- Positioning them correctly for high-quality images;
- Conducting the scan and sending images to the radiologist for interpretation.
They work across multiple specialities: conventional radiology, CT scans, MRI and nuclear medicine, all of which require precision and attention to detail. But beyond the technical side of things, the human aspect is a big part of the job: you have to be able to adapt your approach to the patient (children, the elderly, claustrophobic patients, etc.) and manage their anxiety.
"When we take on a patient, we always try to welcome them with a smile, to help them feel at ease and reassured."
The adrenalin of emergency care adds an unpredictable and stimulating dimension to her daily routine. Stéphanie thrives in this environment: "It adds a bit of spice to the day!"
Source: Hôpitaux Robert Schuman
Working in Luxembourg: a winning choice
Like many healthcare professionals, Stéphanie experienced challenging working conditions in France: relentless shifts, staff shortages, and a lack of recognition. At the private establishment where she worked, she had to carry out examinations every 5 minutes, an unbearable pace in the long term.
In Luxembourg, things are much better:
- Better working conditions: a more manageable workload, without endless back-to-back exams;
- Higher salary: her pay has doubled;
- Improved work/life balance: 36 days' leave compared with 25 in France, with better organisation.
"Even though I work five more hours per week, I feel much more at ease."
Although she had to adapt to new equipment and different protocols, the core of her job remains the same. The language barrier, which used to be a major concern, is less of an issue today. Many hospitals no longer require Luxembourgish, making it easier for foreign healthcare professionals to integrate.
A profession evolving with AI
Technological advancements have transformed radiology in recent years, making imaging faster and more precise. Stéphanie has witnessed these improvements first-hand:
- The transition from film-based radiology to digital imaging;
- Faster and more powerful CT and MRI scanners;
- More ergonomic and patient-friendly equipment.
But the real turning point to come is AI. Already used to detect fractures on scans, it could eventually assist or even replace radiologists for certain diagnoses.
"Eventually, AI might even replace radiologists."
Despite these advancements, the role of radiologic technologists remains vital. The relationship with the patient, handling imaging procedures, and human support are irreplaceable aspects of the job.
Today, Stéphanie is fulfilled in her profession and has no regrets about her decision to cross the border. Luxembourg has offered her more attractive working conditions, and developments in the radiology sector continue to stimulate her. For those who are hesitating to take the plunge, she has just one piece of advice: "Go for it! It's a great job that combines interpersonal and technical skills. Luxembourg is always recruiting, so don't hesitate to apply!"
Find out about vacancies in the Health, Medical Care and Social Services field in Luxembourg.
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